Western capercaillie hunting in Vestfold og Telemark

Season: Sep 10 – Dec 23

Western capercaillie is among the huntable species in Vestfold og Telemark. Capercaillie hunting is among the most exclusive hunts you can do in Norwegian forests. A cock can weigh over five kilos, and watching a big bird flush from the pines is something you don't forget.

Season in Vestfold og Telemark

Sep 10 – Dec 23

The cock (capercaillie) and the hen are hunted in the same period. Many terrains have their own limits on the number of cocks that may be taken.

All hunting seasons

Distribution

The capercaillie is found in coniferous forest from Agder to Troms. The best populations are in Trøndelag, Innlandet and Nordland. The species needs large, continuous tracts of coniferous forest.

Terrain

Old, mature coniferous forest with bogs and bilberry is typical capercaillie terrain. The cock needs large territories with access to lekking grounds in spring. Pine forest with rich ground vegetation is ideal.

Weight

Hen: 1.5–2.5 kg, cock: 3.5–5.5 kg

Terrain in Vestfold og Telemark

Vestfold og Telemark spans from the coastal landscape by the Oslo Fjord to the mountain heaths of Hardangervidda. Vestfold is Norway's smallest former county with intensive agriculture and small forests. Telemark has deep valleys (Tinn, Vinje) and large mountain areas. Hardangervidda in the west is Europe's largest high mountain plateau.

Hunting western capercaillie

Search old pine forest with bilberry. Capercaillie are creatures of habit and use the same areas year after year. Early morning gives the best results.

Plan the hunt

Western Capercaillie handbook

Species facts, behaviour and identification.

Hunting in Vestfold og Telemark

County terrain, species and statistics.

Game reception stations

Where to deliver and process game.

What is the hunting worth?

Estimate the value of hunting on your ground.

Other game in Vestfold og Telemark

Red deer hunting

Sep 1 – Dec 23

Moose hunting

Sep 25 – Oct 31

Roe deer hunting

Aug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)

Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Wild reindeer hunting

Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Hardangervidda)

Black grouse hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Mountain hare hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Greylag goose hunting

Aug 10 – Dec 23

Red fox hunting

Jul 15 – Apr 15

Western capercaillie hunting in other counties

Agder

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Innlandet

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Møre og Romsdal

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Nordland

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Troms og Finnmark

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Trøndelag

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Vestland

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Viken

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Frequently asked questions

When is the western capercaillie hunting season in Vestfold og Telemark?

The season for western capercaillie in Vestfold og Telemark is Sep 10 – Dec 23. Local regulations can shorten or extend this.

Where does western capercaillie live in Vestfold og Telemark?

The capercaillie is found in coniferous forest from Agder to Troms. The best populations are in Trøndelag, Innlandet and Nordland. The species needs large, continuous tracts of coniferous forest.

Can I find grounds to hunt western capercaillie in Vestfold og Telemark?

Yes. Landowners across Vestfold og Telemark offer hunts on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available grounds.

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